Assisted living facility closed due to bed bugs, deaths and theft

The state is closing a Richmond, Va., assisted living facility that has had documented bed bug infestations, soiled bedsheets, filthy toilets, mismanaged medication and five preventable deaths within the past two years, according to an article on the Richmond Times Dispatch website.

Authorities have relocated about 30 of the roughly 50 residents the Jones & Jones facility. The facility has been operating without a licensed administrator since the former administrator had her license suspended on April 24 for allegations including stealing from residents’ Social Security accounts to pay for gambling and vacations.

Many of the facility’s residents had mental health issues and were low-income. Several were often seen wandering around an intersection near the facility, asking strangers for money and appearing homeless.

Last year, three residents who had walked out into the street were struck by cars and killed.

In building these facilities, healthcare facility managers and their construction partners must strike a balance of incorporating necessary elements of a medical facility, while maintaining a comfortable, homelike atmosphere